| FARM BILL VALUE ADDED PROGRAM |
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The Value-added Producer Grant (USDA/VAPG) is intended to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. The grant can be used to fund one of the following two activities:
- Planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product (e.g. conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan); or
- Acquire working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets. Renewable energy projects are eligible for this funding.
For an overview of the Farm Bill, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/2005%20Program%20Overview.pps (PowerPoint show)
Here is a brief summary of what's next:
1) Next round of VAPG funding will be announced about March 1, 2005, with a 60 day application window.
2) USDA/RD will participate in one or more training sessions for potential applicants about two weeks after the funding announcement so that a common understanding of the application process and requirements can be addressed.
3) Applicants who submit their proposals at least 2 weeks before the application deadline will be provided feedback on the completeness of their application to ensure it meets the screening guidelines and can be moved on for content review and scoring.
4) USDA/RD will be assigning more staff to assist with the grant.
5) The Oregon Department of Agriculture will be working with USDA/RD to provide either a template or a checklist for ensuring grant proposals meet the evaluation criteria for completeness. This information will be posted on the ODA Web site and other locations.
It is critical to understand that this grant is very competitive. Potential applicants who are considering this grant source should begin now to develop their proposal and documents. While this year's announcement will likely contain changes from past year requirements,
reviewing the 2004 funding request would help interested applicants in understanding the scope of information and documentation needed for a proposal:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/docket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-13392.htm We will send out notices of the funding request when USDA releases it in early March. For more information, please contact
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